Toronto’s Chester receives Sibling of the Year Award | News, sports, jobs

A SPECIAL SIBLING — Toronto resident Kiah Chester has been named a recipient of the Dr. Tom Fish Sibling of the Year Award. A special ceremony was held for Chester on Nov. 2 in Columbus to honor her commitment to her older brother, Ronnie, left. Ronnie has Down syndrome, is autistic and non-verbal. — Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Kiah Chester has been caring for her brother Ronnie since she was a child. That dedication earned her the honor of receiving this year’s Dr. Tom Fish Sibling of the Year Award.

Chester is the 24-year-old daughter of Iyrhonn and Stephanie Chester from Toronto. A special ceremony was held on November 2 at the African Event Center at the Columbus Zoo, sponsored by the Ohio Special Initiatives by Brothers and Sisters.

Chester was one of more than six nominees across the state nominated by her mother, a board member of the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

“It feels like a real honor to be recognized,” Chester said. “You never think you’re going to win an award for anything, but I think it’s a great award to win.”

Her mother’s nomination letter detailed the impact her daughter has had on her brother’s life. Every day.

Kiah Chester received her award from Tom Fish

Ronnie is 31. He has Down syndrome, autism and is non-verbal.

“Although she is younger than her brother, she has always taken care of him,” the letter reads. “As children, she would keep him with her while they played and let other children know, without preconditions, that he was not to be fooled or have to deal with her. Kiah has always been an advocate, standing up for Ronnie’s best interests while ensuring he received equal and fair treatment.”

Chester’s mother said that when her job required long hours and periods of travel, her daughter went beyond the typical sibling role and sacrificed her time to help with doctor visits, emergency care and activities of daily living. That compassion and caring carry over into her position as a children’s librarian at the Steubenville and Jefferson County Public Library, where she regularly invites local special needs classrooms and adult day programs for visits. She helps them with books, reads to them and designs programs aimed at different abilities and interests.

“Kiah has a genuine love for people of all abilities and demonstrates empathy, kindness and compassion for the special needs population,” the letter concluded. “She deserves to be recognized for the wonderful person she is.”

The nominations were reviewed by a board of Ohio SIBS representatives, selected based on several criteria. From the eight entries that were considered, officials selected Chester as this year’s winner.

During a gala in her honor, she received the Dr. Tom Fish Prize, named for the founder of Ohio SIBS. Fish described Chester as a lynchpin who had a major influence on her brother’s life.

“What is a lynchpin?” Fish asked the audience. “It is a steel pin that goes through the end of an axle to hold the wheels of a car or truck in place. It’s not very big, but it’s solid, reliable, and crucial to the wheel’s function. You could describe Kiah Chester as a “lynchpin.” We suspect she will not only advocate for her students of all abilities, but we also believe she will be uniquely qualified to support young siblings. Kiah is a linchpin. Her empathy, compassion and unwavering support from her brother and family make her the perfect 2024 winner of the Dr. Fish Sibling of the Year Award.

Chester’s mother said the recognition was well deserved because siblings are often overlooked when they should be appreciated for all they do.

“I’m just happy she received the award,” she said. “She earns a lot and does a lot. I think siblings feel left out and it’s important that they are valued. The path Kiah’s life has taken has led her to help the special needs community.”

Chester is a graduate of Steubenville High School and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education online through Liberty University.

She hopes to become an elementary school teacher and attributes her ability to help others to her connection with Ronnie.

“My diploma is for kindergarten through sixth grade,” she said. “I studied public relations, but I have always been very good with children. I have a passion for it.”

Chester said her brother is the one who inspired the move. She may even consider a role in special education. Time will tell. For now, she continues her studies and works in the library, while helping her brother when needed.

“He felt pretty good about my win, and I definitely think caring for him puts emphasis on the prize,” she concluded. “It means you are an advocate for people with disabilities.”

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